gesture

[ jes-cher ]
/ ˈdʒɛs tʃər /

noun

a movement or position of the hand, arm, body, head, or face that is expressive of an idea, opinion, emotion, etc.: the gestures of an orator; a threatening gesture.
the use of such movements to express thought, emotion, etc.
any action, courtesy, communication, etc., intended for effect or as a formality; considered expression; demonstration: a gesture of friendship.
Digital Technology. a particular movement of the body, typically the fingers or hand, used to control or interact with a digital device (often used attributively): a gesture command; Use a two-finger pinching gesture on your touchscreen to zoom in or out.

verb (used without object), ges·tured, ges·tur·ing.

to make or use a gesture or gestures.

verb (used with object), ges·tured, ges·tur·ing.

to express by a gesture or gestures.

Origin of gesture

1375–1425; late Middle English < Medieval Latin gestūra mode of action, manner, bearing, equivalent to Latin gest(us) past participle of gerere to bear, carry on, perform + ūra -ure

OTHER WORDS FROM gesture

ges·tur·al, adjective ges·tur·er, noun un·ges·tur·al, adjective un·ges·tur·ing, adjective

Words nearby gesture

gesticulant, gesticular, gesticulate, gesticulation, gestosis, gesture, gesualdo, gesundheit, get, get a bang out of, get a break

Example sentences from the Web for gestural

British Dictionary definitions for gestural

gesture
/ (ˈdʒɛstʃə) /

noun

a motion of the hands, head, or body to emphasize an idea or emotion, esp while speaking
something said or done as a formality or as an indication of intention a political gesture
obsolete the manner in which a person bears himself; posture

verb

to express by or make gestures; gesticulate

Derived forms of gesture

gestural, adjective gesturer, noun

Word Origin for gesture

C15: from Medieval Latin gestūra bearing, from Latin gestus, past participle of gerere to bear